Make your way through the ferns and funghi of Myrtle Gully to Junction Cabin.
Highlights
Brightly coloured fungi, tree ferns, wooden bridges, Myrtle Gully Falls and Junction Cabin.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Tree ferns, funghi, Eucalyptus forest, dogwood (Pomaderris apetala) and Myrtle Gully Falls.
Conservation
Kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a known breeding ground for the critically endangered Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) and is also home to the endangered Tasmanian Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) and Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii).
Feral cats are a threat to biodiversity within the park, as are other Introduced species including the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae).
Track details
After parking your car, walk to the end of Old Farm Road and pass the white gate onto the Old Farm Track. Follow this wide trail for around 140 metres and there will be three trails you can take. The Myrtle Gully Track is signposted, and it is the smaller track that is in the middle of the other two. Take this trail and keep left.
From here it is about 2km to Junction cabin. The walk starts out relatively flat, before becoming a steady uphill walk with a few quite steep sections. Starting out in dry eucalypt forest, the flora soon becomes wetter as you approach the creek that you will follow for the majority of the trail. Making your way up beside the creek, a range of ferns soon becomes the dominant flora, and it is worth keeping your eyes out for brightly coloured fungi along the trail.
There are several wooden bridges you will cross, with one crossing just in front of Myrtle Gully Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall, especially after heavy rain. As you make your way toward Junction Cabin, you will eventually stop following the creek and make your way back up into the dry eucalyptus forest. From this point it is a short distance to a turnoff where you will come out onto the Old Farm Fire Trail. Turn left here, and continue uphill for another 200 metres and you will come to Junction Cabin.
Several other trails meet at this point, and it is a lovely spot to stop for a snack or for a longer lunch. Once you are ready, make your way back the way you came. If you are continuing on further, refer to the relevant trail guide for any new tracks you take.
Conditions
While this walk is located toward the base of Kunanyi, conditions can still change rapidly, and it will still be significantly cooler here than in the city. If you are venturing further up the mountain there may be high winds, rain, and snow, even in summer. Check local weather forecasts before attempting any walks in Wellington Park.
Ensure you have appropriate sun protection, as UV radiation is stronger in high altitude areas, such as on mountains. The fire danger rating for the area should also be checked. Be aware that Wellington Park is closed on days with a fire danger rating of Extreme or Catastrophic in the Upper Derwent Valley or Southeast districts.
For up to date weather forecasting on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to:
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and food and water. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly in the area.
The trail can be slippery after rain, requiring care on steep sections.
Hikers should also be aware of the possibility of bushfires as this is a forested environment.
During spring, summer and autumn, be aware that snakes may be active in the area. If encountered, move away from them slowly.
If you are injured and require emergency medical attention, call 000.
For further information on bushfires in Tasmania, refer to: https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/
Age restrictions and advice
While this walk is appropriate for all ages, there are steep sections and adult supervision of children is required.
Location
Main Fire Trail, Wellington Park Tasmania 7054, Australia
From Hobart, drive Southwest along Davey Street for around 1.3km before turning right at the Southern Outlet intersection, then turn left 100 metres later onto Macquarie Street. Follow Macquarie street, which then becomes Cascade Road, for another 2.2km, until you come to the Cascade Brewery. Just after the Cascade Brewery, turn right onto Marlyn Road, and then right again onto Old Farm Road. Follow Old Road for another 2km, after which you will come to a small car park near the end of the road. Park here.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Tree ferns, funghi, Eucalyptus forest, dogwood (Pomaderris apetala) and Myrtle Gully Falls.
Conservation
Kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a known breeding ground for the critically endangered Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) and is also home to the endangered Tasmanian Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) and Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii).
Feral cats are a threat to biodiversity within the park, as are other Introduced species including the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae).
Track details
After parking your car, walk to the end of Old Farm Road and pass the white gate onto the Old Farm Track. Follow this wide trail for around 140 metres and there will be three trails you can take. The Myrtle Gully Track is signposted, and it is the smaller track that is in the middle of the other two. Take this trail and keep left.
From here it is about 2km to Junction cabin. The walk starts out relatively flat, before becoming a steady uphill walk with a few quite steep sections. Starting out in dry eucalypt forest, the flora soon becomes wetter as you approach the creek that you will follow for the majority of the trail. Making your way up beside the creek, a range of ferns soon becomes the dominant flora, and it is worth keeping your eyes out for brightly coloured fungi along the trail.
There are several wooden bridges you will cross, with one crossing just in front of Myrtle Gully Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall, especially after heavy rain. As you make your way toward Junction Cabin, you will eventually stop following the creek and make your way back up into the dry eucalyptus forest. From this point it is a short distance to a turnoff where you will come out onto the Old Farm Fire Trail. Turn left here, and continue uphill for another 200 metres and you will come to Junction Cabin.
Several other trails meet at this point, and it is a lovely spot to stop for a snack or for a longer lunch. Once you are ready, make your way back the way you came. If you are continuing on further, refer to the relevant trail guide for any new tracks you take.
Conditions
While this walk is located toward the base of Kunanyi, conditions can still change rapidly, and it will still be significantly cooler here than in the city. If you are venturing further up the mountain there may be high winds, rain, and snow, even in summer. Check local weather forecasts before attempting any walks in Wellington Park.
Ensure you have appropriate sun protection, as UV radiation is stronger in high altitude areas, such as on mountains. The fire danger rating for the area should also be checked. Be aware that Wellington Park is closed on days with a fire danger rating of Extreme or Catastrophic in the Upper Derwent Valley or Southeast districts.
For up to date weather forecasting on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to:
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and food and water. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly in the area.
The trail can be slippery after rain, requiring care on steep sections.
Hikers should also be aware of the possibility of bushfires as this is a forested environment.
During spring, summer and autumn, be aware that snakes may be active in the area. If encountered, move away from them slowly.
If you are injured and require emergency medical attention, call 000.
For further information on bushfires in Tasmania, refer to: https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/
Age restrictions and advice
While this walk is appropriate for all ages, there are steep sections and adult supervision of children is required.
Location
Main Fire Trail, Wellington Park Tasmania 7054, Australia
From Hobart, drive Southwest along Davey Street for around 1.3km before turning right at the Southern Outlet intersection, then turn left 100 metres later onto Macquarie Street. Follow Macquarie street, which then becomes Cascade Road, for another 2.2km, until you come to the Cascade Brewery. Just after the Cascade Brewery, turn right onto Marlyn Road, and then right again onto Old Farm Road. Follow Old Road for another 2km, after which you will come to a small car park near the end of the road. Park here.